South Korea And Japan Should Strengthen Defense Ties Amid North Korea’s Provocations, Says Japanese Defense Minister

Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said North Korea's recent provocations call for tougher defense ties between South Korea and Japan. The official added that the two Asian countries should improve their defense ties in order to act in response to North Korea's threats.

Nakatani also emphasized that the advances in the production of missile development in North Korea should be considered, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"Assuming that a warhead weighs under 1 ton, we presume that it will be possible for (the missiles) to have a range exceeding 10,000 km and carry a warhead weighing about 200 kilograms," Nakatani told the news agency.

The Japanese defense minister added that the North may have mastered the process of developing its missiles' range and accuracy.

In January, North Korea reportedly conducted a hydrogen test in which Nakatani doubted, UPI noted.

The official said at a press conference that it would be difficult to believe that "North Korea tested a typical hydrogen bomb."

On February 7, North Korea launched a long-range missile that reportedly carried a satellite called Kwangmyongsong-4. The act was denounced by the United Nations Security Council and branded it as a "dangerous and serious violation."

The Japanese official believed that stronger ties among South Korea, Japan and the United States are needed in response to North Korea's provocations and alleged plans of terror attack.

Nakatani added that South Korea and Japan should sign the General Security of Military Information Agreement and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement amid recent threats from the communist country.

"Through the GSOMIA, the two countries can share their valuable information and better ensure each other's safety," Nakatani said. "It's important to lend goods to each other when one is in trouble."

"Japan and South Korea are countries that share the same values, such as liberalism and democracy," he said, adding that the two countries should have more joint military drills, as well as exchange of defense workforce.